Mark Davis to be personally involved in Raiders’ coaching search

The last time the Oakland Raiders hired a head coach, it turned out to be a disaster. This time team owner Mark Davis wants to be involved in the hire so that history does not repeat itself.

San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami reported on Wednesday that he spoke with Davis, who told him he was planning to be involved in the coaching search.

The last hire was made by GM Reggie McKenzie without Davis’ input. Davis told Kawakami that he felt a disconnect with Dennis Allen, who went 8-28 as the team’s head coach and was fired after an 0-4 start. Tony Sparano was installed as the team’s interim head coach and has gone 3-8 since.

Davis says the team plans to wait until after the regular season ends before beginning the coaching search process because that is when top assistant coaches will be available. Davis also could not comment on the potential of hiring Jim Harbaugh because of tampering rules.

Though the Raiders have been terrible and have not posted a winning record since 2002, they have some young, intriguing pieces. Khalil Mack and Gabe Jackson look like really promising players, and rookie quarterback Derek Carr has showed potential as well. With the right coach in charge, they might be able to turn it around.